Salem Sound Coastwatch hosts science experiments for seventh graders

Thursday

Oct 19, 2017 at 2:46 PM

Under the guidance of Salem Sound Coastwatch and their teachers, 300 seventh graders from Collins Middle School, Saltonstall and Bowditch Schools recently became field scientists as they conducted experiments in the Forest River Estuary behind Salem State University’s South Campus.

With hands-on activities, the students analyzed characteristics of the river as it flowed from fresh water upstream to the brackish salt marsh downstream.

“We’re delighted to be able to bring these kinds of opportunities to the students,” said Emily Flaherty, Salem Sound Coastwatch’s Ocean Literacy educator. “The students are very engaged when they’re in the field.

“By connecting students to their local environment, the lessons become more meaningful. These students need to be informed because they will be the ones making the tough decisions facing our coastal communities in the future due to sea level rise and increased development.

“This is especially true in Salem. With a large immigrant population of students, many of whom come from islands that have been hard hit by recent hurricanes, hey are very concerned about climate change and what the future holds for their families.”

Kate Carbone, assistant superintendent for teaching and learning in Salem Public Schools, said, “Science education is changing. New research shows how important it is for students to anchor their science learning in a real-world context. The focus is shifting from learning general information about a topic in the classroom to figuring out why or how something happens in the real world.

“Teachers in Salem Public Schools are working to engage students into deeper science learning with compelling questions that they can investigate right in their own city. The field experiences provided by Salem Sound Coastwatch is a perfect fit with this model of science instruction.”

Student field activities included calculating how fast the river was flowing, determining number and volume of fishes trapped and measuring salinity.

This program was made possible by a grant from National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration, under the Bay Watershed Education and Training Program. The purpose of this program is to prepare students for the future by providing locally relevant coastal-related experiences.

For more information about Salem Sound Coastwatch’s School to Sea Ocean Literacy program, contact Flaherty at emilyflaherty@salemsound.org or 978-741-7900.